Military Submarines
Military Submarines
December 10, 1995
An open letter to every Member of Parliament
Re: Submarines for our Navy
Dear Member of Parliament,
Peace time uses for Submarines
If we care about the Sovereignty of our waters, and the Arctic in particular, it is essential that Canada has submarines to patrol them. Not long ago foreign ships, particularly American and Russian submarines, blatantly sailed in our territory without notifying us. Since then, all the friendly nations who have operational submarines, have taken to keeping each other advised as to the whereabouts of their submarines. Thus if we should spot an unannounced submarine, we would know that it is hostile. In order to be "a member of the club", so to speak, we must have operational submarines or else we will simply be ignored by the submarine owning nations, and most likely Canada will not be advised about the presence of any submarine in our waters, whether friendly or hostile. In that case submarines of any nation could freely cross our Arctic waters without challenge and Canadian sovereignty over our Arctic would in reality not exist.
In the recent fishing dispute with Spain, it was a Canadian submarine that photographed the illegal fishing gear through its periscope, thereby giving Brian Tobin the proof needed to confront the Spanish who were caught red handed. Without submarines in this role, Canada cannot adequately protect its fishing industry.
Other roles for the peace time Navy in general, and submarines in particular, are to patrol and take action against illegal drugs, customs and immigration violations, as well as assisting with search and rescue at sea, and several other tasks.
In a more conventional role, the Navy has had ships at sea in a warlike setting almost continuously for the last 5 years including: blockade of Haiti, the Gulf War, ongoing patrol of the Persian Gulf, and patrol of the Adriatic Sea, to name a few. The Navy remains a highly mobile force that can be deployed to far away places in relatively short time, provided they have the right types of ships and helicopters in first class condition, to do the job.
I wrote to every Member of Parliament, shortly after the last election, about the EH101 helicopter which the government was determined to cancel. Now, after all this time, most will admit that the cancellation was a mistake. Today we have another acquisition opportunity to purchase 4 almost new conventional submarines from the British at half price. This opportunity is already past the extended deadline for purchase, while the Canadian Cabinet procrastinates. This golden opportunity could pass, and our Navy will be deprived of essential equipment again.
The Upholder Class Submarines from Britain
This is an ideal opportunity to acquire 4 almost new (2 years old) non-nuclear "Upholder Class" submarines from the British at half price, including all their spare parts, training manuals, and etc. These submarines have the latest technology, including necessary electronic devices and up to date weapons. Until recently they were an integral part of the British Navy, but then a decision was made by the British to use only nuclear submarines, and hence these 4 submarines are being offered for sale to Canada. While the deadline for that sale has long passed, Canada could still get the submarines if we move quickly, or else the submarines will go elsewhere, and the replacement cost of our 33 year old submarines will double overnight.
The existing Canadian "Oberon" submarines are 33 years old. They are the oldest equipment in the Canadian Navy, (even older than the Sea King helicopters which are also too old). It takes more than the usual courage to dive down in any submarine, but when the submarine is a 33 year old pressure vessel at the end of its useful life, then it takes extra special faith in the aging steel plates that separate you from the deeps outside.
I ask every Member of Parliament to give urgent consideration to this acquisition of the 4 Upholder class submarines from Britain. The Canadian Navy needs new submarines. This is an opportunity to get 4 modern subs at bargain price, and thus keep Canada "in the club" whereby we can better protect our Arctic Sovereignty and patrol the ocean to ensure that foreign fishermen and other shipping respect our laws.
My interest in this subject is simply that of a former Naval Officer with an ongoing interest in our Navy. I have nothing personal to gain or lose regardless of what happens.
December 1995
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